Man found dead on walking track after suspected brawl, NSW Police to face probe
A man has been found dead and another man seriously injured in a suspected brawl in northern NSW; the police faced an internal investigation into its response.
The 25-year-old man’s body was found on a footpath near Fischer St, Goonellabah, east of Lismore, at around 6.20am on Friday. The crime scene was created.
Hours earlier, at around 2.50am, a 31-year-old man with serious head injuries was taken to Lismore Base Hospital by unidentified persons.
It was stated that the condition of the man, who was later airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital, was serious.
Police said initial investigations suggested the two men may have been involved in a fight in nearby Clifford Park earlier that morning and that as many as 15 to 20 people were involved in the fight.
A critical incident investigation was launched to examine the actions of the police in responding to the incident. The operation is being carried out by officers from the Mid North Coast Police District.
The internal investigation will be subject to independent review by the Professional Standards Command and oversight by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
Officers and homicide detectives with the Richmond Police District are still investigating Friday’s incident.
Police are urging anyone with information, or anyone who was in the area at the time and has dashcam or mobile phone footage, to contact Lismore Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
